The Danish royals were all bundled up and ready to have fun in the cold. The little ones are introduced to winter sports early, and 4-year-old Prince Christian appears to have already mastered his skis! Princess Isabella, who is 2 1/2 years old, seems content with sledding for now. But I’m sure we’ll see her on skis soon enough.

Princess Mary still looks very elegant and poised even dressed down in a ski suit and parka. Prince Frederik just looks as if he is having the time of his life, as always!

Every year, the Danish royals take a ski vacation, and Verbier is one of their favorite spots. Members of the British and Swedish royal families likewise favor the ski resort for their winter getaways.

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Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary welcomed their guests to Christiansborg Palace. The event is less formal and grand than the New Year’s Court of the Order of the Elephant, so we won’t be seeing any tiaras on the ladies this time around.

Hosting all these receptions one after the other could become rather exhausting, even for royals who are very much used to them. Prince Frederik, in particular, looks a bit tired in some of these photos. Well, I don’t blame him, since the galas and receptions come one after the other at this time of year.

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The Order of the Elephant is the highest in Denmark, and dates back to 1693. The annual gala at the beginning of the year is hosted by Queen Margrethe for members of the order, government officials and the royal court.

At this year’s Court, both Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary chose gowns in bright stunning colors, fuschia for the Queen, and orange for the princess. Princess Marie was in a more subtle gown of delicate pink.

The brothers, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, were handsome in their military uniforms. Their father Prince Henrik wore white tux instead of his uniform.

Click on the gallery photos below for more of the gowns and tiaras!

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The three royals took the stage and talked with Adam Holm about the joint trip they took to Greenland and about climate change.

The Bright Green Expo, which was held at Forum Copenhagen this weekend, is an exhibit of more than 170 companies from all over the world. It showcases cutting-edge approaches to the climate challenge and saving energy. It is organized by the Confederation of Danish Industry.

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The monument, made of granite from Bornholm island, was created by Danish artist Bjoern Noergaard. Danish Minister of Defense Søren Gade also attended the ceremony yesterday. Another memorial, created in 1958, stands at the Rosenborg Palace in Copenhagen to commemorate more than 2000 soldiers who have died since the regiment was established in 1659. (source)

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One of the last events that Queen Margrethe and Princess Mary attended was one in support of a campaign for better traffic safety in Vietnam. The royal ladies encouraged the use of helmets, and put on theirs on top of their hats. Those hats must be held in place by pins pretty well, and it’s not a simple matter to take them off in order to get the helmets on!

Before they left, the royals met with the press on November 6, 2009 at the Thaodien Village, Vietnam. They were all very relaxed, looking as though they’re just enjoying a vacation in a tropical resort. Prince Henrik and Princess Mary even shared a hug, something we don’t see often in royal families.

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The royals didn’t let the rain dampen their enthusiasm as they saw the sights, took photos and interacted with their hosts. Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik put on colorful ponchos to ward off the rain. Prince Frederik and Princess Mary didn’t bother with the less-than-fashionable plastic raingear, and made do with light jackets and the ubiquitous giant umbrellas.

images: Newscom

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Earlier in the day, the plane that was supposed to carry the Danish royals to the old imperial city of Hue was diverted to Da Nang because of high winds. Typhoon Mirinae had been causing flooding and strong winds across Vietnam. After their plane landed, Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik, Prince Frederik, Princess Mary and the Danish delegation continued to Hue by bus.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary were none the worse for wear after the slight change in plans. They still enjoyed their concert date, holding hands, and clapping with everyone in the audience!

More photos after the cut… click on photos for a better view…

images: Newscom

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Princess Mary’s cream off-shoulder gown was accessorized with a black ribbon on her shoulder. Queen Margrethe chose a simple blue dress for the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the Danish community in Vietnam had an audience with the royals during a reception at the National History Museum.

Tomorrow, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik will visit Mascot International Ltd, which produces workwear for export to Europe. They will also stop by the Kiem Lien Temple and a charity event for homeless children. Prince Frederik and Princess Maryw ill attend a Rock Concert in Hue. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s photos!

images: Zuma Press

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Queen Margrethe, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary sat with Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet to watch the performances. It’s been a busy trip for the royals, and I just hope that Prince Frederik wasn’t nodding off. The sunglasses, at least, hide his eyes well enough that no one can really tell. Could that be what his mom and his wife were chatting about? Princess Mary looks a bit amused as she glanced toward her husband.

Queen Margrethe was then accompanied by Princess Mary to the Anne Black Ceramics Factory in Ba Trang. The royal ladies tried their hand at painting a couple of ceramic pieces. Queen Margrethe, who is an accomplished painter, easily took to the task.

images: Zuma Press

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